Supreme Court Grants Punjab Government Time for Compliance on Farmer Leader's Medical Aid

The Supreme Court has given the Punjab government more time to comply with its order to provide medical aid to Jagjit Singh Dallewal, a farmer leader on a hunger strike. The case will be revisited on January 2, as the government faces challenges including recent protests and traffic blockades.

The Supreme Court has extended the deadline for the Punjab government to comply with an order to provide medical assistance and transfer farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal to a hospital. Dallewal, on a fast-unto-death since November 26, awaits medical intervention as ordered on December 20.

A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Sudhanshu Dhulia has rescheduled the matter for further hearing on January 2. Advocate General Gurminder Singh, representing the Punjab government, requested additional time, citing disruptions caused by protests and the Punjab Bandh, which involved approximately 7,000 personnel at the Khanauri border protest site.

The court was informed of a proposal that Dallewal would accept medical aid if the central government agreed to negotiations with the farmers. The bench has summoned the virtual presence of Punjab's Chief Secretary and DGP in the next session. Dallewal continues his strike demanding legal assurance of MSP for crops.

(With inputs from agencies.)